AuthentiCity Limits, p.57

I often wonder why the subject of houses show up in my art. Some inner workings, I’m sure. But in this case, I actually was painting what I saw. The cultural centre on Gouin Blvd (Mtl) where my art stand was facing this little cluster of buildings. Some of my best art is done in public, in a busy venue with people breathing down my back, asking sometimes very painful questions. “I guess this must be easier than real painting, eh?”. Somehow, instead of losing my nerve, I just seem to get crazier and perhaps, more defiant. Or perhaps, I’m burying myself in my art to shut out the outside world. Yet, most visitors are very enthusiastic and encouraging, and I can end up with a little crowd around me while I explain collage, the history, the technique. And yes, why it’s even harder to work with than “real paint” when you have so much less control, and you never know what’s going to happen. I like that best, when the people feel engaged with the process. I’ve even had someone run back very excitedly with a dessicated leaf she’d found on the ground and it was so beautiful, I immediately glued it to my work.